What do you know, the Ford Fusion Hybrid might suffer from the same predicament plaguing the latest Toyota Prius. Rather than wait for customers to complain, however, Ford is instituting what it calls a "Customer Satisfaction Program."
The program involves loading revised software to the Fusion Hybrid's brake system controls to smooth out the transition between conventional and regenerative braking. This is essentially the same issue Toyota is contending with on the Prius. In that situation, customers have stated that the brakes actually quit working for a split second while the transition is made. Ford claims that none of its customers have complained about a loss of braking. Instead, the Fusion complaints have focused on a "different brake feel" that Ford hopes its new software update will cure.
None of this is surprising. Anyone who has driven a Fusion or a Prius knows that both cars have an odd brake pedal feel that could confuse customers who are not used to driving a hybrid.
firstwagon says:
03:43 PM, 02/ 4/10
"both cars have an odd brake pedal feel that could confuse customers who are not used to driving a hybrid"
Heaven forbid someone might encounter something that is different. "Oh my god, it's not exacty the same as everything else. "I'm so confused...it must be wrong and evil"
soultek1 says:
08:36 AM, 02/ 5/10
Yes. There have been complaints filed with Ford. For instance a Consumer Reports engineer told Ford how he rolled through a step sign because of the glitch. Ford only acknowledged the problem publicly after all the criticism Toyota has taken for taking the same approach as Ford.
Ultimately, just like Toyota, Ford has known about this issue for months. Obviously, there won't be as many complaints because Ford only sells a fraction of Fusion hybrids compared to the Prius.
Still, if you think Toyota did something wrong, then Ford did as well. Of course, that isn't going to be much of a story, as your softball headline indicates.
brn says:
10:44 AM, 02/ 5/10
soultek1, the Consumer Reports issue is extremely confusing in the way it attempts to relate itself to this issue.
This issue is one where the traditional brakes may kick in SOONER than is necessary. That's not going to cause you to roll through an intersection. This relationship needs significant clarification.